Success Stories

Director of the Durmishidze Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Professor George Kvesitadze, has conducted a great deal of research both domestically and abroad, having worked at the University of Pennsylvania in 1977-78 and at Bethlehem University in the USA in 1983 as a visiting professor. Along with his co-workers at the Institute, Professor Kvesitadze has always believed that microorganisms from diversified areas of the Caucasus deserve special scientific interest, as they allow for the elaboration of new technological processes.
Participation in grant competitions requires serious attention. The preparation of project proposal NoGR-101, Creation of a Collection of Extremophilic Mycelial Fungi Isolated from All Ecological Niches of the Caucasus, Investigation of their Pathogenicity and Elaboration of the Technologies Based on their Degradational, Oxidizing and Synthesizing Potential, took almost six months.
Founded in 1971 by the Academy of Sciences of Georgia, the Durmishidze Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology employs 170 scientists, among them 28 post-doctoral fellows and 65 Doctors of Science. The Institute found it of great benefit to have participated in the October 2002 International Conference on Ecological and Health Threats Associated with Environmental Contamination in Kyiv, organized by the STCU. Professor Kvesitadze held important discussions with STCU Executive Director Yves Carmel and Deputy Executive Director Arthur DuCharme with regards to his Institute's research. Meetings and discussions over the STCU project were also held with many scientists from various other countries. During one discussion, Professor Kvesitadze became acquainted with a project lead by Dr. T. Torok of the USA, who eventually became one of the Durmishidze Institute's collaborators. They continue to exchange information concerning micro-organisms living in extreme environments. The project is working towards successful realization through its work with the STCU and its foreign collaborators.